Happy birthday to the America’s Cup

The competition for the oldest trophy in international sport, the America’s Cup celebrates its 162nd birthday today.

It was August 22, 1851, when the yacht America beat the best of the British fleet in a race around the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England.

The trophy won on that day was later donated through a Deed of Gift to foster “friendly competition between foreign countries”, and has represented the pinnacle of the sport ever since.

The 34th America’s Cup competition is currently taking place in San Francisco, where Emirates Team New Zealand leads Italy’s Luna Rossa Challenge in the Louis Vuitton Cup Finals by a 4-1 score.

The winner (the first team to win 7 points) will advance to race ORACLE TEAM USA, the current holder of the trophy, in the 34th America’s Cup Match beginning onSeptember 7.

Fast facts:

– The America’s Cup is the longest running competition in international sport and blends innovative technology with sport

– The United States held the trophy from 1851 to 1983, at 132 years this is often called the longest winning streak in sport

– Only four countries have won the America’s Cup – the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland

– Competition for the America’s Cup has been held in six cities – New York (USA), Newport RI (USA), Fremantle (AUS), San Diego (USA), Auckland (NZL), Valencia (ESP) – plus the current edition in San Francisco (USA)